Leeds United manager news as training camp abroad opposed by candidates
Plans for Leeds United to spend their pre-season training camp abroad have been opposed by potential new managerial candidates, according to Graham Smyth.
The Daily Mail revealed on 6 June, that the Whites are currently sounding out some potential new replacements for Sam Allardyce but are unlikely to make any new appointments until their 49ers takeover situation is clarified in the coming days.
Leeds have been linked with several names as their search for a new appointment goes on, with former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard and West Brom coach and former Elland Road first team coach Carlos Corberan all currently targets for the vacant role.
And according to Smyth, writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post [6 June] the club have already welcomed the opinions of potential new candidates.
“It now appears unlikely that the Whites will spend much more time away from their Thorp Arch base this summer, with a number of managerial candidates expressing that as their preference, as opposed to a training camp abroad.
“A final confirmation of what the summer will look like is yet to be determined.”
What’s next?
It seems rather baffling that this decision has been taken, given the usefulness and benefits going abroad for pre-season has on various football clubs during the summer.
Experiencing a new environment and blending the squad together in a totally different setting in order to prepare for the season ahead is just what Leeds United needs as they face a gruelling fixture schedule in the Championship next season.
It remains to be seen what the plans for the summer are and why such a decision has been taken but after news emerged this week regarding the 49ers and Andrea Radrizzani moving a step closer to a takeover agreement [Daily Mail, 6 June], things will remain uncertain till that situation is rectified.
What the Leeds United fanbase needs right now is some fresh new impetus, clarity and an exciting summer ahead and the fact that many of the club’s fans are being denied a potential trip abroad to see their team play, after such a testing couple of months is certainly disappointing and certainly doesn’t give any room for hope at Elland Road.
Whoever the Whites board appoint to succeed Allardyce for next season best make sure it’s an exciting and attractive one, or else the tension around the club will grow rather toxic.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay claims that a Whites senior player is now set to leave the club at a discounted fee post relegation and will not be signing a new contract.